A legal trainee has become a qualified legal executive – reaping the rewards of a brave decision he took at 17 to leave school and start work as an apprentice for a Carlisle law firm.
Codie Slessor had only studied law for a year as a sixth former at Richard Rose Morton Academy when he made the big decision to abandon his ambition to become a PE teacher, leave school and start work at Wragg Mark-Bell Solicitors in Carlisle.
It was a decision he would never regret as now the 27-year-old has just qualified as a fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and is celebrating a 10-year milestone at the firm.
It’s an exciting and varied job that can take him from his desk in the conveyancing department to the police station where, as Accredited Police Station Representative, he can be called out in the early hours to represent people charged with a variety of crimes from murder to assault and arson.
“No one day is the same and I love it,” said Codie. “When I was first offered the job here I imagined lots of suits and big desks, but this is a people job and we are a very approachable and friendly team.”
Codie worked on reception for a year before he moved across to the crime department where he then went on to become qualified to represent clients at the police station and often assisted the firm’s solicitors and barristers in the Crown Court. His specialism is now conveyancing, but he is still on call one night a week as an Accredited Police Station Representative at the police station.
“I spent most of Christmas Day at the police station,” he said. “It can be hectic but I love the challenge.”
The financial security that his job has given him has meant that Codie and fiancee Hannah were able to buy their first home in Carlisle four years ago – and now they’re planning their wedding for September.
“This job changed my life,” said Codie. “I was brought up to believe that if you work hard you can achieve anything and I am so grateful that I was given this chance to prove myself.”
Codie’s strong work ethic and winning personality won over Nick Kennon, Managing Director at WMB, who spotted his potential and was willing to invest in Codie’s legal training.
“As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Codie is a shining example of what can be achieved,” said Nick. “It has been a pleasure to observe and support his personal and professional development over the last ten years.
“From joining us as an NVQ lvl 2 apprentice, through training as a police station representative to becoming a legal executive in conveyancing, Codie continues to be a real asset to our team.”
His comments are echoed by Director Laura Urquhart: “Codie has shown us all what commitment and hard work can achieve. He is approachable, reliable, and has grown into a key member of our Conveyancing team. We look forward to seeing his career progress in the coming years.”
